Koster “no comments” Jones’ request for an opinion on HB 253

ST. LOUIS — Earlier this week, House Speaker Tim Jones sent out a request for Attorney General Chris Koster to comment on the much-discussed income tax bill veto, House Bill 253.

Attorney General Chris Koster

Specifically, a release from Jones’ office stated that the request was for a response on Gov. Jay Nixon’s comments about the bill allowing for Missourians to retroactively benefit from a tax reduction, meaning that when residents file, they could draw money from potentially the previous three year’s worth of tax returns. Nixon’s claim is one that the bill’s Republican supporters have denounced.

“His claims of a retroactive tax cut that would generate a significant revenue shortfall are sensationalized talking points and not in any way based on statutory reality or legal precedent,” Jones said in the statement.

Additionally, Jones said he was confident that Koster would reach a similar conclusion.

Koster’s office has laid low on the HB 253 debate, with this extended request being no exception.

“Today we received Speaker Tim Jones’ request for an AG opinion,” Press Secretary Nanci Gonder told The Missouri Times in a statement Wednesday. “We do not have any comment at this time.”